Dry summer uncovers stone walls of submerged village near Lake Vassivière
A severe drought has lowered Lake Vassivière by more than six metres, revealing the stone structures of the long-flooded village of Villecros.
Since the summer, the lake’s water level has dropped dramatically to support the flow of the Vienne River. The recession has exposed parts of Villecros, including stone walls, vaulted cellars, an old pigsty, a watering trough and a bridge that once crossed a stream. Visitors are now able to see these remnants emerging from the receding waters.
Why it matters
The exposed village illustrates how extreme drought can dramatically alter ecosystems and reveal hidden historical sites.
In this story
droughtlake level dropsubmerged villagestone wallshistorical ruinsenvironmental impactVassivièreVillecros
